Plans and medications are in place Local agencies coordinating preparation efforts

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) issued the following news releases about the efforts of local agencies to prepare for the swine flu in the event that it should become necessary to activate an emergency plan.

Local public health departments, emergency management agencies, hospitals and many others in the Kansas City metropolitan area are closely monitoring the current public health situation related to swine flu. Public officials have plans in place to treat patients and distribute medications should the situation worsen.

Through a process called “disease surveillance,” public health departments closely monitor reports from physicians’ offices and hospitals about the number of patients with flu-like symptoms. When flu is suspected, nasal swabs can be tested to determine whether an influenza virus — either seasonal flu or swine flu — is present. Antiviral medications used to treat swine flu, and additional supplies, will be available through the U.S. Department of Health’s Strategic National Stockpile if needed.

While there is cause for concern, there are several key actions people can take to protect themselves and their families from the flu virus:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick, do not go to work or school. Limit contact with other people to keep from infecting them.